Aerodynamics Modelling

[derekthetree]

I was just wondering if anyone out there knew anything useful about what computer programs car companies use to model the aerodynamics of their cars. i have to do a presentation for my degree on the theoretical modelling of car design and i've got info on most bits of it except for this part.

please only post if what you've got is accurate no speculation please

[Coventrysucks]

I was just wondering if anyone out there knew anything useful about what computer programs car companies use to model the aerodynamics of their cars. i have to do a presentation for my degree on the theoretical modelling of car design and i've got info on most bits of it except for this part.

please only post if what you've got is accurate no speculation please

ADAMS is an engineering package that is used for analysing the chassis, but I can't remember of it does airflow and aerodynamics aswell.

[Matra et Alpine]

Matra and many companies used the Matra developed software for car design. This software was also used in aricraft design. Can't remember the product name for that earlier vversion.
Newer installations from Matra-Datavision are used worldwide.
Renault uses the EUCLID package along with I-DEAS.
IIRC the latter focusses on the manufacturing/modelling rather than the fluid dynamics.

[derekthetree]

wow thanks guys. i'll check those things out

[Cyco]

Get your hands on Racecar Engineering, a mag dedicated to helping you go faster.

They had a big CFD story not long ago (don't have it in front of me atm so I can't tell you which one it is), lots of articles that utlise it and a "Ask the Aerodyamicist" page.

[Rob Mann]

there is another mag wich i believe is much better called "Race Tech".